Popular Jamie, 9, lived life to the full (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Popular Jamie, 9, lived life to the full

1:54pm Friday 30th July 2010

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“HE lived life to the absolute full.”

Those were the words the griefstricken parents of Jamie Bray used to describe him as mourners packed a village church for the nine-yearold’s funeral this week.

Jamie was found hanged on a rope swing in the garden of his family’s house in Bishop’s Waltham.

His mum Sarah desperately tried to resuscitate him until paramedics arrived, but he could not be revived.

Children made up nearly half of the mourners when friends and family of the youngster gathered for the funeral at St John the Baptist Church in Shedfield.

After the service on Monday, Jamie’s uncle, Chris Wheal, said: “Three of Jamie’s friends lit a candle on behalf of his friends.

“School reflections were given by Edna Mears, Jamie’s class teacher.

She presented the family with a book of recollections from children at school.

“The coffin and family left to the sound of Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol.”

Jamie’s eulogy was written by his parents, Sarah, 42, and Richard, 41, and read by The Rev Bruce Deans.

It said: “We first knew Jamie was special when we noticed he could move from one side of the room to another, when he was just six weeks old.

“He would wriggle like a worm, always on a mission to get anywhere other than where he was put.”

It added: “He never conformed to the norm and would often say or do things that were totally unsuitable, yet he did things with such a cheeky, adorable grin that everyone would have to hide their smiles.”

The eulogy ended with: “Jamie adored his family, adored his animals, and just lived life to the absolute full, with never a dull moment or unhappy thought.

“We hope his memory is an inspiration to adults and children, on how to enjoy the simple pleasures in life and always to smile.”

Further tributes have been paid to the St John the Baptist School, Waltham Chase, pupil, who was a talented young horse rider.

Denise Hallion, who runs training days for Solent Riding Club, said: “He was such fun, always smiling, always trying his best, and always up for a challenge.”

Jamie’s maternal grandfather, Peter Wheal, said: “The thing that Jamie was best at was being happy.

Yes, he had his frustrating moments, but no one was so consistently happy, day in and day out, as Jamie was. Jamie was magic.”

The youngster’s 12-year-old cousin, Molly Wheal, said: “Every moment with Jamie was a blast as he was a crazy, cheeky child who would make you laugh.”

His paternal grandmother, Sandra Bray, said: “His great-grandmother used to call him ‘her cheeky monkey’ and that’s what he was, but oh, that smile! We will miss him and love him forever.”

In a statement, family friends Heidi and John Dennis said: “Jamie was a hectic little chap who always had the biggest, fastest, highest, longest, bravest attitude in life.

“He was a breath of fresh air and that is what will always remain in our memories.”

Police are investigating Jamie’s death, which happened on July 13 at around 5pm, but there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned to a date still to be set.

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